POOLCORP at 30
POOLCORP has plenty to celebrate this year: 2025 marks 30 years since the company went public under the name SCP Pool Corporation, later renamed POOLCORP in 2006.
Today, it operates approximately 445 sales centers across North America, Europe and Australia, distributing more than 200,000 products to roughly 125,000 wholesale customers. Offering an extensive catalog across all major vendors, POOLCORP recently reintroduced four of its premium brands — Regal, E-Z Clor, SuperPro and PoolStyle — with fresh logo and packaging designs.
In 2021, POOLCORP expanded its specialty chemical packaging and wholesale distribution capabilities with the acquisition of Pinch A Penny, Inc., a network of independent franchise locations specializing in pool retail and chemical solutions. This acquisition enabled POOLCORP to provide end users with streamlined distribution, high-quality chemical access and cutting-edge software solutions, all backed by an unmatched supply chain and service network.
Another key acquisition was Horizon Distributors, Inc. in 2005, which allowed the company to enter the lawn management and irrigation industries, broadening its product offerings.
What truly sets POOLCORP apart is its people. Every year, graduates of the Manager-in-Training program step into full-time roles and build careers within the company.
This six-month, entry-level training initiative prepares recent college graduates, military veterans and other professionals for careers in operations management and business-to-business sales. The program provides hands-on experience in POOLCORP’s warehouse distribution centers, coupled with classroom education at their EDGE training facility, to develop leadership skills and industry expertise.
“The MIT program was established to build a pipeline of leadership talent who can quickly integrate into the POOLCORP environment,” says Luther Willems, vice president and chief human resources officer. “It serves as a great entry point for top talent who will help guide the company and the industry into the future.”
But the impact goes beyond POOLCORP. The program has introduced many to the industry who have gone on to work for manufacturers and suppliers and even become business owners, benefiting the entire industry.
This year, the company is especially proud to see a new generation of leaders, with eight recently promoted to general and regional manager roles, along with the formation of its new north Florida division.
“We take great pride in promoting from within and are fortunate to have the growth that allows us to create even more opportunities for our team,” Willems says.
POOLCORP is also committed to making a difference through its SWIMPACT! Program, which partners with local YMCAs to provide swim lessons and lifeguard training. This initiative ensures children, especially those in underserved communities, gain the skills they need to stay safe in the water.
What began as a pilot program at the YMCA of Greater New Orleans in 2021 has now raised over $4 million, funding lessons for more than 42,000 children and training for 3,000 lifeguards.
Beyond funding, POOLCORP employees play a hands-on role by staffing swim safety events, distributing swim gear and supporting YMCA initiatives.
SWIMPACT! also supports disaster relief and prevention efforts, including an ongoing campaign with PHTA’s Fire Relief Fund, which provides aid to pool professionals recovering from the devastating wildfires in Southern California, and the Largo Fire Cadet Program, a high school training program for future firefighters.
Another highlight in recent years was the opening of POOLCORP’s Austin NPT Design Center. This initiative was a response to increasing demand from builders and customers seeking a dedicated space to offer clients a hands-on pool design experience. With nearly 500 products on display, visitors can view pool tiles, finishes and hardscapes in person.
As POOLCORP reflects on 30 successful years, the company is already looking ahead. It remains committed to being a leading value-driven distributor in the pool and outdoor living industry, ensuring independent business owners have what they need to succeed. Future plans include expanding into strategically placed locations and investing in cutting-edge technology.
“At POOLCORP, our commitment to the industry and independent business owners is unwavering,” says Kendall Large, vice president of marketing. “For decades, we’ve focused on helping our customers grow and succeed, and that mission remains at the heart of everything we do.”
